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Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is the third most popular facial plastic surgery procedure according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). A facelift can improve many facial flaws and signs of premature aging, including sagging facial skin, jowls and loose neck skin. During the procedure, excess fat is removed, muscles are tightened and the skin is redraped.
Who is the best candidate for a facelift?
The ideal candidate for a facelift is a physically healthy man or woman who has a strong and well-defined bone structure with skin that still retains some elasticity, though the face and neck have begun to sag. As with all forms of plastic surgery, it's also essential that patients have realistic expectations. There are many other factors that determine whether an individual is a good candidate for a facelift, such as skin type, ethnicity and individual healing, and a surgeon can help you to determine if a facelift is right for you. Though most facelift patients tend to be in their forties to their sixties, facelifts can be performed at younger and older ages.
Are there any limitations to what a facelift can achieve?
Facelift surgery cannot stop the aging process or turn back the clock, though it can help the face to look its best and appear healthier and more youthful.
What happens during a consultation for a facelift?
During a consultation for a facelift, the surgeon will examine your face, including your bone structure and the texture, color and elasticity of your skin. The surgeon will also take a thorough medical history, discuss your goals, and explain the options available to you. He or she will also explain the surgical procedure and technique, the type of anesthesia, the facility, the potential complications, and the costs. Many surgeons will take photographs of the patient's face. Other procedures may also be suggested at this time to help achieve your desired look. For instance, facial liposuction is often performed along with facelift surgery.
Where is facelift surgery performed?
Facelift surgery may be performed in an outpatient surgery center, a surgeon's office-based surgical facility, or a hospital.
What type of anesthesia is used for a facelift?
Facelifts are often performed with a combination of mild sedatives, local anesthesia, and a mild intravenous anesthesia. However, general anesthesia may also be used.
How is the actual facelift procedure performed?
Incisions are first made and the skin is then separated from the underlying fat and muscle and raised outward. The underlying muscle and connective tissue is then repositioned and tightened. Excess skin and fat may also be removed, and the incisions are then closed with fine sutures and/or metal clips. A dressing is typically applied to the area of the incisions after surgery.
How long is the surgical time for a facelift?
The surgical time for a facelift will depend upon the extent of the surgery for the particular patient, though facelifts are typically performed in about two to four hours.
Where are the incisions made for a facelift?
The incisions for a facelift are positioned so that they are well-concealed within the natural creases of the skin and within the hair. The incision typically begins around the temple hair, extending above and in front of the ear, around the lobe, and then back into the scalp. For men, the incision is made in such a way as to accommodate the natural beard lines.
Are there scars that result from a facelift?
The incisions made during facelift surgery will result in scars though they are well-concealed within the natural skin creases and the hairline, resulting in scars that are typically not noticeable and fade as they mature. In the early stages after facelift surgery, makeup can be worn to help conceal the scars as they heal.
Is there much pain with a facelift?
Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication for after your surgery, though patients typically experience very little pain.
Will I need someone to help me out at home after the facelift procedure?
It's a good idea for patients to prearrange for post-surgery support from family members or friends.
What is the recovery like after a facelift?
Dressings applied after surgery are typically removed within one to days after the procedure. If drainage tubes are used, they are typically removed on the first or second day after surgery. Swelling and bruising is likely to occur and cold compresses can be used to help control the swelling. Bruising can take about two to three weeks to disappear. Some numbness of the skin can occur during the first few days. Patients should keep the head elevated while lying down.
When will I be able to return to work after my facelift?
The recovery after a facelift is usually about two to three weeks, though many patients find that they're well enough to return to work in two weeks.
How soon after my facelift will I be able to exercise?
It's generally advised that strenuous or vigorous activity be avoided for two or more weeks. In addition, sun exposure will need to be limited for several months.
How soon after the facelift procedure are the stitches removed?
Stitches and staples used during the facelift procedure are typically removed within about five to ten days after surgery.
What are the risks or complications associated with facelift surgery?
Some of the potential risks associated with facelift surgery may include adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bleeding, excessive scarring, infection, nerve injury and poor healing.
Will insurance cover the cost of a facelift?
Facelift surgery is typically not covered by insurance as it is usually performed for purely cosmetic reasons. Surgeries performed to correct or improve injury or genetic deformities may covered to some degree.
Are the results of a facelift permanent.
The results of a facelift may be considered permanent in that you will continue to look younger years later than you would have without undergoing the facelift. However, a facelift cannot stop the aging process and the face will continue to age. Many say that the facelift tends to last about five to ten years, after which time patients may opt to undergo a touch-up procedure.
Miami facelift procedures are done by Florida plastic surgeon Dr. Andres Bustillo.
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